Eugene Riley Butcher was born July 21, 1948 in Sterling, CO to Ora and Clara Riley Butcher of Otis, CO. He was welcomed home by brother Robert and sister Carolyn. He went home to be with his savior Jesus Christ November 14, 2022 at the age of 74.
Gene attended Otis Schools graduating with the class of 1966. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1967 where he was deployed to Vietnam. Wounded twice, Gene received two Purple Heart metals before returning back home to the US in 1969.
Gene and Pam Welch were married in 1967 and later divorced. In 1988, Gene married Brenda Newbanks-Goble, blending their family, Wendy, Tony, Clint, Curt, Jenni, Gina, a year later they welcomed Cammaron.
Gene worked for Wiltfang Plumbing of Greeley, Weeter Meat Packing, butchering, Cal and Teedles Burton, plumbing, and Washington County Road and Bridge as a heavy equipment operator until his retirement. Afterwards, he enjoyed helping out Newbanks Well Service, riding his Harley, boating and fishing at Lake McConaughy, and spoiling the grandchildren with Grandpa’s special candy cupboard. Grandpa/Uncle Gene was especially happy at Lake McConaughy shuffling grandkids, great grandkids, nieces and nephews around on the golf cart or letting them drive his boat. He was very excited when the grandchildren started bringing home the next generation of greats. He was hoping to see the next grandchild coming in March 2023.
Preceded in death by his parents Ora and Clara Butcher, brother and sister in law, Bob and Phyllis Butcher, sister Carolyn Butcher, step son Jeremy Newbanks, son-in-law Billie Cain, grandchildren, C Marie, Ellianna and the Sanders babies. Niece Patty Butcher, Nephew Darin Wilkins, In-laws Lloyd and Rena Newbanks, Gene Hayes, Ron and Fern Welch.
Survived by wife Brenda of Evans, CO, Wendy Schaal of Otis, CO, Tony Butcher of New Braunfels, TX, Clint (Mandy) Goble of Otis, CO, Curt (Casey) Goble of Yuma, CO, Jenni Cain of Valley Center, KS, Gina (Jim) Tolle of Valley Center, KS, Cammaron (Cory) Sanders of Greeley, CO, 27 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, 1 upcoming grandchild, In-Laws Greg and Bonnie Cliff, Steve and Beverly Schoenfeld, Jim and Barb Welch, Pat Wilkins, Ron and Jan Welch, Tom and Judy Welch, aunts, uncle, cousins nieces, nephews and many very special friends.
A Military Celebration of Life is planned for Monday, May 29, 2023 after the Memorial Day Service in Otis.
Lunch will be served at the Otis Fire Hall to Veteran’s, Alumni, Family and Friends. No Flowers please instead bring pictures and stories to share of Gene’s life.
Memorials can be made to the Akron VFW, Otis Fire Department or the Colorado Springs Young Marine.
2022-12-23